Highlights:
11,918 foot peak with desert surroundings and varied climate zones, in the Spring Mountains near Las Vegas; popular for hiking, camping and winter skiing. Scenery includes limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caves and narrow ravines
Nearest city with hotels:
Las Vegas, 25 miles
Management:
USFS - part of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Location:
36.259, -115.635 (Mount Charleston Village)
Seasons:
All year. Moderate snow on the uppermost slopes in winter
Rating (1-5):
★★★★★
Featured Hotel
Hampton Inn Las Vegas/Summerlin
A northwest Las Vegas hotel, beside US 95 in the Summerlin district, 30 miles from the forested high country of Mount Charleston. Complimentary hot breakfastCheck Rates
Running for 50 miles along the west edge of Las Vegas, the Spring Mountains mark the start of Nevada's Great Basin Desert, characterized by tall, narrow, ridges separated by wide, empty valleys, and differing from the Mojave Desert to the south in that the temperatures are lower, average elevation higher and annual rainfall greater. All such mountains are well separated from neighboring ranges by the much lower and more extensive desert land in between, and so harbor distinct plant and animal life, as well as containing a variety of climate zones in close proximity; both these aspects are illustrated by Mount Charleston, the highest summit of the Spring Mountains (11,918 feet), whose foothills may be reached by an easy half hour drive from downtown Las Vegas.
Although not particularly spectacular to look at - certainly not in the same league as the rocky summits of Colorado or California - Mount Charleston receives many visitors each year, who come for hiking, picnicking, photography, skiing (November to March), or just to escape from the heat below. The temperatures at the highest points reached by road (around 8,000 feet) are usually 15 to 20°F lower than in Las Vegas Valley, with the summit another 10°F below this.
The peak lies at the center of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, a 316,000 acre USFS preserve established in 1993; the boundaries extend 20 miles northwest to incorporate several other summits including Mt Stirling, and a similar distance south, to the Mountain Springs area. All its eastern edge adjoins Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Roads NV 156 and NV 157 climb into the Mount Charleston foothills, and are linked by NV 158 across the eastern slopes, together forming a 54 mile loop (including part of US 95). Two short spur roads lead a little way higher up, ending at Mount Charleston Village and Lee Canyon, site of the ski resort. NV 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) is the most used approach since it is closer to Las Vegas; this first passes scattered residences and quite a lot of new development then enters emptier land, winding up a shallow canyon studded with Joshua trees typical of the Mojave Desert at this elevation (5,000 feet). These fade away as the road continues to climb, replaced by small bushes and eventually pine trees, as the road crosses the boundary of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Once past the last of the houses there are plenty of sandy side roads leading into the desert or the woods, good for hiking or (free) camping. The northern approach (NV 157; Lee Canyon Road) traverses even less developed land but has similar scenery on its 16 mile, 5,600 foot climb up a long slope into the mountains.
The top parts of Mount Charleston and adjacent peaks are formed from bare, jagged limestone, rather dull gray in color, while the slopes beneath are quite steep, and densely forested with several types of oak, pine and fir, including large strands of ancient bristlecone pines. Rocks are also exposed in many places lower down, forming steep ravines and tall cliffs, occasionally with small caves eroded at their base. A number of larger canyons drain the mountain slopes and carry streams most of the year, some producing impressive waterfalls. The scenery is pleasant and unspoilt, though the hills are not really different to dozens of other, less accessible, peaks in Nevada; it is the proximity to and easy access from Las Vegas that makes Mount Charleston so popular.
The best viewpoints in the Spring Mountains, together with many of the trailheads and picnic areas, are along the 9 miles of NV 158 (Deer Creek Highway), connecting the two entry roads. At Desert View, reached by a very short path, a huge area of the valley far below can be seen, framed by distant peaks of the Sheep and Las Vegas ranges, though such long-distance outlooks are often partly obscured by haze and pollution. Nearby is the Hilltop campground, one of six main camping areas, again with nice views of desert lands to the east. Just south of here, a short path leads along a narrow, shady canyon to Robbers Roost Cave, quite a large opening in the limestone cliffs. More trails start along Kyle Canyon Road around Mount Charleston Village, most strenuous being the 8.3 mile hike to the summit itself, along the South Loop Trail. Other good routes hereabouts are the 1.2 mile path to seasonal Mary Jane Falls (with an optional side trip, partly off-trail, to nearby Big Falls), the relatively easy 2 mile hike along overgrown Fletcher Canyon to an impressive limestone narrows section, and the steep, 2 mile climb up Trail Canyon. The ski center in Lee Canyon (Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort) has four chairlifts and a longest ski run of 2,000 feet, down the north face of Charleston Peak. The area is quite small and the skiing generally easy, but the center receives a fair amount of visitors in winter, as it is by far the closest ski resort to Las Vegas (45 miles) - the next nearest is Brian Head in Utah, over 200 miles away. Best of the trails in the vicinity is the 6 mile Bristlecone Loop.
Las Vegas provides every type of accommodation, and while there are a few closer places along US 95, most are around downtown, or to the south and east. Mount Charleston Village contains one lodge, offering 23 log cabins, set in pine forest right at the western end of Kyle Canyon Road.
Although not particularly spectacular to look at - certainly not in the same league as the rocky summits of Colorado or California - Mount Charleston receives many visitors each year, who come for hiking, picnicking, photography, skiing (November to March), or just to escape from the heat below. The temperatures at the highest points reached by road (around 8,000 feet) are usually 15 to 20°F lower than in Las Vegas Valley, with the summit another 10°F below this.
The peak lies at the center of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, a 316,000 acre USFS preserve established in 1993; the boundaries extend 20 miles northwest to incorporate several other summits including Mt Stirling, and a similar distance south, to the Mountain Springs area. All its eastern edge adjoins Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Roads
Roads NV 156 and NV 157 climb into the Mount Charleston foothills, and are linked by NV 158 across the eastern slopes, together forming a 54 mile loop (including part of US 95). Two short spur roads lead a little way higher up, ending at Mount Charleston Village and Lee Canyon, site of the ski resort. NV 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) is the most used approach since it is closer to Las Vegas; this first passes scattered residences and quite a lot of new development then enters emptier land, winding up a shallow canyon studded with Joshua trees typical of the Mojave Desert at this elevation (5,000 feet). These fade away as the road continues to climb, replaced by small bushes and eventually pine trees, as the road crosses the boundary of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Once past the last of the houses there are plenty of sandy side roads leading into the desert or the woods, good for hiking or (free) camping. The northern approach (NV 157; Lee Canyon Road) traverses even less developed land but has similar scenery on its 16 mile, 5,600 foot climb up a long slope into the mountains.
Scenery
The top parts of Mount Charleston and adjacent peaks are formed from bare, jagged limestone, rather dull gray in color, while the slopes beneath are quite steep, and densely forested with several types of oak, pine and fir, including large strands of ancient bristlecone pines. Rocks are also exposed in many places lower down, forming steep ravines and tall cliffs, occasionally with small caves eroded at their base. A number of larger canyons drain the mountain slopes and carry streams most of the year, some producing impressive waterfalls. The scenery is pleasant and unspoilt, though the hills are not really different to dozens of other, less accessible, peaks in Nevada; it is the proximity to and easy access from Las Vegas that makes Mount Charleston so popular.
Trails, Activities and Viewpoints
The best viewpoints in the Spring Mountains, together with many of the trailheads and picnic areas, are along the 9 miles of NV 158 (Deer Creek Highway), connecting the two entry roads. At Desert View, reached by a very short path, a huge area of the valley far below can be seen, framed by distant peaks of the Sheep and Las Vegas ranges, though such long-distance outlooks are often partly obscured by haze and pollution. Nearby is the Hilltop campground, one of six main camping areas, again with nice views of desert lands to the east. Just south of here, a short path leads along a narrow, shady canyon to Robbers Roost Cave, quite a large opening in the limestone cliffs. More trails start along Kyle Canyon Road around Mount Charleston Village, most strenuous being the 8.3 mile hike to the summit itself, along the South Loop Trail. Other good routes hereabouts are the 1.2 mile path to seasonal Mary Jane Falls (with an optional side trip, partly off-trail, to nearby Big Falls), the relatively easy 2 mile hike along overgrown Fletcher Canyon to an impressive limestone narrows section, and the steep, 2 mile climb up Trail Canyon. The ski center in Lee Canyon (Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort) has four chairlifts and a longest ski run of 2,000 feet, down the north face of Charleston Peak. The area is quite small and the skiing generally easy, but the center receives a fair amount of visitors in winter, as it is by far the closest ski resort to Las Vegas (45 miles) - the next nearest is Brian Head in Utah, over 200 miles away. Best of the trails in the vicinity is the 6 mile Bristlecone Loop.
Mount Charleston Hotels
Las Vegas provides every type of accommodation, and while there are a few closer places along US 95, most are around downtown, or to the south and east. Mount Charleston Village contains one lodge, offering 23 log cabins, set in pine forest right at the western end of Kyle Canyon Road.
Mount Charleston - Hiking
Big Falls and Mary Jane Falls
★★★★★
★★★★★
1.4/1.6 miles, 870/1,070 feet
Two seasonal waterfalls at the upper end of Kyle Canyon, one reached by strenuous off-trail hiking, the other by a wide, well-used path
Bristlecone Loop
★★★★★
★★★★★
5.9 miles, 920 feet, loop
Traverse of forested slopes, partly along an old road, past many ancient bristlecone pines
Fletcher Canyon
★★★★★
★★★★★
2 miles, 1,020 feet
Overgrown ravine containing a seasonal stream and spring, deepening slowly and leading to an impressive stretch of sheer-walled narrows
Mummy Spring
★★★★★
★★★★★
3 miles, 1,400 feet
Secluded spring sustaining riparian wildflowers, above a lengthy ridge with bristlecone pines and long-distance views
Robbers Roost Cave
★★★★★
★★★★★
0.2 miles, 230 feet
Easy path to a group of alcoves in streaked limestone cliffs, either side of a narrow drainage with dryfalls
Trail Canyon
★★★★★
★★★★★
2.1 miles, 1,520 feet
Steep route up a shady, wooded canyon to a high saddle at the foot of the sheer cliffs lining Mummy Mountain. The North Loop Trail continues further into the mountainsMount Charleston - Photographs
Nearby places
Red Rock Canyon (36 miles) - colorful cliffs and canyons further south along the Spring Mountains
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (20 miles) - gravelly plains and desert washes, site of Ice Age fossil discoveries
Valley of Fire (82 miles) - extensive outcrops of red and white sandstone rock
Similar places
Great Basin National Park, Nevada - isolated mountain wilderness, including limestone caverns and a glacier
San Bernardino Mountains, California - forested mountains near Los Angeles; ski center in winter
Map of the Mount Charleston Area
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